Talk it out: What are you giving up for Lent and why?

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It's Fat Tuesday, that last day before Lent when we feast on paczkis, King Cake and gumbo. For Christians and others, it's one final chance to satisfy our gluttonous desires before the fasting and sacrifices of the six weeks leading up to Easter.

In Christianity, Lent represents the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert. But millions of people give up something for Lent every year, even if they're not religious or have forgotten what it means. It could be something relatively innocuous as chocolate or something more addictive like smoking.

Twitter uses refrain from social networking and alcohol the most during the six-week lenten season, according to Christianity Today.

No matter what it is, some are successful and make it all the way to Easter. Others? Not so much.

Just making the effort, though, can be a positive thing, if not to bring yourself closer to God, but as a step in your growth as a person.

So, we're asking you.

Are you giving up anything for Lent? If so, what is it and why? If not, perhaps you'd like someone else to give up something?

Join us from 11 to 1 p.m. today for a constructive conversation about the start of Lent. Comments will be reviewed by a moderator before they are published.

In a pre-curated conversation, comments are published after they are reviewed -- promptly -- to ensure they adhere to our community rules, which prohibit indecent, hateful, abusive or harassing comments, personal attacks, vulgar nicknames, personal information, email addresses belonging to others, anything inciting criminal behavior and copyrighted material for which you do not own the rights.

Comments that are not on the topic of this discussion will not be published.